Manchester City target Real Madrid duo

Manchester City are plotting a double January move for Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas, according to reports from AS.

The Citizens have made a fine start to the Premier League season after a summer of lavish spending, but Manuel Pellegrini is ready to dip into the transfer market once again this month.

The Chilean is said to be content with his attacking set-up – the Sly Blues are the division’s highest scorers – but he has concerns regarding his options at the back.

In the absence of Vincent Kompany – who has been injured for large chunks of the 2013/14 season – City’s rearguard has appeared flimsy on occasion.

Ramos is seen as a good solution to the problem, and Pellegrini is said to be keen to take advantage of his rumoured discontent at the Bernabeu.

The Spanish international is believed to be angling for a contract that will put his earnings on a par with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but Real haven’t been forthcoming with an offer.

The Citizens are said to be willing to present him with the terms he desires, which could open the door for a January swoop.

Casillas is also on Pellegrini’s radar.

The Spanish goalkeeper has lost his starting spot at Real to Diego Lopez, and is rumoured to be considering a switch to keep his World Cup hopes alive.

City have concerns over Joe Hart – who has only recently returned to first-team action after being dropped due to a series of errors – however Pellegrini is said to be on the lookout for a new ‘keeper.